Manager, Portfolio and Building Services

Manager, Portfolio and Building Services Apply for the Manager, Portfolio and Building Services role at City of Vancouver. Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver is committed to becoming a City of Reconciliation. The City consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable and environmentally sustainable cities and is named among Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, and Canada’s Greenest Employers. It seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody its core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents. Main Purpose and Function The Manager, Portfolio and Building Services reports to the Director of Non-Market Housing Operations and assists in all aspects of managing the operations and janitorial services of the Non-Market Housing Operations portfolio. This position develops and implements enhanced workflow processes, policy and procedures based on the mission and values of Arts, Culture, and Community Services, and complies with provincial legislation and non‑market housing industry best practices. The Manager directly supervises a team of Building Service & Working Supervisors, Administrative Support Officers, and the Scheduler, and indirectly supervises all Building Support Workers across 12 NMHO buildings and approximately 1,200 tenancies in the DTES, Downtown South, and Killarney areas. Responsibilities include daily operational oversight, staff management, safety and security, tenant and property management, coordination of programs and services, maintenance of sites, and tenant engagement strategies. The Manager also identifies, supports, and integrates progressive outcomes on escalated files and highly sensitive projects related to people and culture, tenancies, stakeholder relationships, and inter‑departmental responses. Specific Duties and Responsibilities Supervise and lead staff. Recruit, select, hire and evaluate staff who report to this position, supporting other selection processes across the housing portfolio. Lead attendance and performance management discussions with staff, providing guidance, direction, coaching and feedback. Maintain professional boundaries with staff, tenants and the community. Identify training needs and organize staff training and development. Accountable for supporting goals and improvement plans related to expectations, discipline and terminations. Represent the employer at grievance hearings and other employment related hearings such as arbitrations, Residential Tenancy Branch hearings, Labour Board hearings and Human Rights Tribunal hearings. Manage conflict positively and effectively over time. Provide effective team leadership during times of change, nurturing and motivating a frontline work team. Ensure occupational health and safety of staff per City of Vancouver OH&S Program Manual and BC’s occupational health and safety regulations. Oversee compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations, address concerns and respond to WorkSafeBC orders. Track accidents or near misses within the OH&S database system and escalates issues as appropriate. Promote a safe and healthy environment for staff, tenants and community members. Act as a management representative on the NMHO Safety Committee. Identify develop and implement best practices related to safety, security and maintenance of physical structures and tenant management. Recommend next steps or process enhancements for critical follow‑up and staff debriefs. Support pragmatic solutions for complex HR matters, leaves, progressive discipline and grievances. Administration Assist in development of an annual operating budget, including preparing annual minor and capital request submissions. Responsible for budget monitoring and reporting of operational and capital budgets exceeding $10,000,000 per annum. Analyze and report on financial information for decision‑making. Coordinate sustainable outcomes with the Operations Manager on complex tenancy files requiring a high level of sensitivity. Prepare reports on escalated and complex tenancies for funders and senior management. Prepare reports on community trends, issues and recommendations for strategic response. Lead strategic projects such as staff scheduling systems, policy and procedure development, business continuity and pandemic planning. Achieve operational objectives by contributing information and recommendations to strategic plans, action plans and quality service standards. Work with the Scheduler and other operational officers to ensure adequate resources and risk mitigation strategies. Investigate and respond to tenant complaints as needed. Provide monthly portfolio reports to the Director. Assume leadership and management role during the Director’s absence. Policies and Procedures Develop and implement policies and procedures that reflect operational, capital, property and tenant management strategies. Monitor priorities for operational management criteria, administrative support staff priorities, workflow processes, and procedures, ensuring consistency and transparency. Facilities Coordinate maintenance, repairs, renovations and acquisition, maintenance and disposal of equipment and furniture with NMHO leadership. Coordinate and monitor maintenance requests, develop processes and measures for ease of reference, and seek contractual improvements with the Facilities Manager. Risk Management Participate in development and implementation of plans and procedures for staff, tenant and building safety. Identify and evaluate risks associated with program and operational activities and take appropriate action. Balance operational requirements with risk‑reduction strategies. Assist employees, external stakeholders and community workers with crisis management strategies. Guide team members in regulatory and stakeholder compliance and dispute resolution. Program Planning & Implementation Support program and service management, researching and administering policies aligned with human capital and stakeholder engagement. Develop new ways to improve program operations and create new opportunities. Develop crisis management strategies and practical responses to controlled and uncontrolled work environments. Support development and analysis of KPIs and metrics for tenant and employee engagement strategies. Community Development & Liaison Communicate with tenants to provide information and respond to enquiries or complaints. Liaise with other City departments, agencies, and government offices as needed. Build positive relationships within surrounding communities and partner agencies through engagement opportunities. Work cooperatively with departmental peers to deliver safe and affordable housing to vulnerable and marginalized populations. Identify and deescalate conflicts among tenants, guests and team members. Develop feasible plans and successfully implement them. Building Operations & Services Oversee liaison between building operations staff and client groups. Assist in preparation and validation of specifications or scopes of work for service contracts, supplies and equipment purchases. Assist Supply Chain Management staff in assessing bids and tender submissions. Resolve issues regarding service responsibilities and delivery with client representatives. Respond to partner/client inquiries. Liaise on maintenance and operations programme adjustments. Maintain effective communication and coordination with other divisions, project teams, consultants, contractors, and agencies. Support identification and resolution of operation issues impacting facilities. Respond to emergencies and provide on‑scene management. Supervise janitorial and administrative staff (directly and indirectly) and modify work assignments, schedules and processes. Support implementation of maintenance schedules and inventory management using a computerized maintenance management system. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualification Requirements Education and Experience: A university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning or a related discipline, and considerable experience managing operational, administrative and financial activities, preferably in property management, community development or a social housing environment. Recent related experience in housing, social programming, HR management, budget development and management, tenant and facility management, program coordination, non‑profit work, and supporting marginalized populations is needed. Experience managing within a unionised setting and assets is preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Considerable knowledge of budget preparation and management techniques. Considerable knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act and arbitration process. Considerable knowledge of the Society Act. Considerable knowledge of WorkSafeBC and OH&S policy and procedures. Thorough understanding and application of the Collective Bargaining Agreement CUPE 15 governing the unionised workforce. Understanding of the needs of people facing multiple barriers such as poverty, mental health, disabilities and substance dependencies. Knowledge of social issues affecting marginalized populations, preferably in an urban context. Leadership approaches to performance and attendance management. Capability to hire, coach, mentor, train and manage performance of staff. Ability to set goals, manage priorities and be accountable. Ability to organize training for staff working with vulnerable populations. Ability to plan, assign and evaluate subordinate progress. Ability to manage in a unionised environment. Ability to promote, oversee and coordinate programming. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders. Ability to prepare reports, proposals and monitor expenditures. Negotiation and collaboration skills. Conflict management skills to promote a positive environment and cooperation. Strong communication skills with empathy and active listening. Respectful, positive and compassionate interaction with people. Ability to operate within City values and be a positive role model. Ability to anticipate, understand and respond to client needs. Clear and timely written and verbal communication. Availability to work evenings or weekends as required. Vulnerable sector check. Business Unit/Department Arts, Culture and Community Services (1200) Affiliation Exempt Employment Type Regular Full Time Position Start Date February 2026 Salary Information Pay Grade RNG‑091: $111,139 to $138,924 per annum Application Close January 4, 2026 Diversity and Inclusion At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Application Instructions Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the application page, but please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date. In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering questions related to the preferred requirements of the role. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position; resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position. Seniority Level Not Applicable Employment Type Summary Full‑time Job Function Finance and Sales Government Administration #J-18808-Ljbffr